Great and Little Chazy Rivers Fishing – Articles, Species, and Tips
Flowing through the heart of Clinton County in upstate New York, the Chazy Rivers – comprising the Great Chazy River and Little Chazy River – provide a great fishing experience for both beginner fishermen and expert anglers. The Little Chazy’s journey begins in the Adirondack Mountains, weaving through forests and open landscapes, while the Great Chazy offers a deeper, broader course. Both eventually meet with Lake Champlain, creating diverse habitats for a wide array of fish species.
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Fish Species
Trout: The Little Chazy is a hotspot for brown and rainbow trout. Anglers can find both stocked and natively occurring trout, offering a range of fishing experiences. The best times for trout fishing are during the cooler months of spring and fall, especially around Ellenburg, NY. This region is known for its pristine waters and abundant aquatic life, which supports a healthy trout population.
Smallmouth Bass: As the weather warms up in summer, smallmouth bass become the stars of the Little Chazy, particularly around Mooers Forks. This area, with its mix of rocky structures and fallen trees, creates ideal habitats for bass. Early morning or late evening are prime times for bass fishing, utilizing techniques such as surface lures or soft plastics.
Walleye: Predominantly found in the Great Chazy, walleye also inhabit calmer areas of the Little Chazy, especially near its mouth. Trolling with crankbaits or using live minnows are effective methods for catching these elusive fish. The Great Chazy’s depth and current patterns create perfect environments for walleye, especially near underwater structures.
Other Species: Anglers should also watch out for northern pike, perch, bullhead, and even landlocked salmon. Both rivers have diverse ecosystems supporting these species, offering varied fishing experiences throughout the year.
At a glance
- Region: Northeastern New York / Lake Champlain Basin
- Water type: Lake Champlain tributary river systems with seasonal salmon and trout runs
- Best access styles: Shore fishing, bridge access, wading, and small-river access points
- Best-known fisheries: Atlantic salmon, brown trout, rainbow trout, steelhead
- Other common targets: Smallmouth bass, northern pike, panfish
- Regulations: Lake Champlain tributary special regulations apply in some sections
- Last reviewed: February 2026
Key species in the Great Chazy & Little Chazy Rivers
These FishNY guides are good starting points for the Chazy Rivers:
- Atlantic Salmon
- Brown Trout
- Steelhead
- Rainbow Trout
- Smallmouth Bass
- Northern Pike
- Panfish
Best techniques for the Chazy Rivers
Seasonal Fishing Techniques by Species
Spring (April-May): In the Little Chazy, fly fishing with nymphs and streamers excels in the faster currents, while drift fishing with minnows or worms is effective in calmer pools. The Great Chazy’s deeper areas are excellent for walleye, particularly when using jigs or soft plastics.
Summer (June-August): Smallmouth bass are abundant in the Little Chazy. Surface lures like poppers and frogs are effective in shallow waters, while deeper areas can be fished successfully with crankbaits and jigs. In the Great Chazy, pike fishing is promising, with larger lures or live bait proving effective.
Fall (September-October): As temperatures drop, trout fishing gains momentum. Spin fishing with spoons or spinners, and fly fishing with dry flies during hatches, are productive in both rivers. The deeper pools, particularly in the Great Chazy, become hotspots for trout.
Winter (November-March): Ice fishing enthusiasts can find success in calmer sections of both rivers. Jigging for perch and crappie is popular, and targeting walleye through the ice is a rewarding challenge, especially in the Great Chazy due to its depth.
What the Rivers are Known For
- Atlantic salmon runs: The Great Chazy and Little Chazy Rivers are best known for seasonal landlocked Atlantic salmon fishing connected to Lake Champlain.
- Tributary trout fishing: Brown trout, rainbow trout, and steelhead-style tributary fishing patterns are important in colder months.
- Smaller-river access: Bridge crossings, shoreline access, and wading opportunities shape much of the fishing experience.
- Lake Champlain connection: Fish movement between the rivers and Lake Champlain strongly influences seasonal activity.
For current regulations and tributary guidance, start with NYSDEC’s Lake Champlain tributary resources.
Public Access and Fishing Information
Public access on the Great Chazy and Little Chazy Rivers is generally handled through bridge crossings, roadside pull-offs, and tributary access areas connected to Lake Champlain fisheries. Access conditions can change seasonally depending on flows and tributary regulations.
